Watts Happening: August 2021
Simon Watts 
August 20, 2021
New Zealand is back in Level 4, this latest case will hit close to home for many of us having originated from Devonport.
The most important thing you can do is stay extra vigilant and make sure to keep an eye out as the locations of interest are released, as there are many on the North Shore. My office in Takapuna is closed, but my team and I are still here to help. We've got through this before, and we can do it again.
If you have visited any locations of interest or have cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms, call Healthline 0800 358 5453, your doctor or Iwi health provider. They will tell you if you should get a COVID-19 test. If you do need to go out, wear a face covering and keep 2 metres distance from others.
If you're a business owner in need of support, there is assistance available, and i'll be sending out more information soon: https://covid19.govt.nz/business-and-money/financial-support/financial-support-for-businesses/
You can go for a walk, run, or bike ride in your local area ensuring to keep 2 metres from anyone who isn’t in your ‘bubble’. Exercise is good for your mental health.
We know how difficult this is for everyone and encourage you to reach out to friends, family and whānau via phone or online to check in and support one another. Stay safe, New Zealand.
For further information visit www.covid19.govt.nz
Warm regards,
Simon
Just our luck the school lambs came to stay the same day we head into another lockdown!
Devonport Naval Base Visit
Our local Royal New Zealand Navy base in Devonport is a valued gem in our community. We’re privileged to their base on the Shore. Thanks to our local sailors who work so hard to keep our waters safe, secure our border, and recently manning MIQ facilities amid Covid-19.
We must acknowledge and treasure the service of these brave men and women. It's shocking that Labour told the Defence Force to heed calls of public sector pay freezes. Our Defence personnel struggle with the increasing costs of living, with rental increases making it even more difficult to make ends meet. Their pay has already lagged behind the cost of living - any pay freeze is just not fair.
Public Meeting to Tackle Crime
Crime is increasing locally and residents are worried.
National's Police spokesperson visited Bayswater for our public meeting on crime earlier this month. We had a great turnout of locals who came to share their concerns and hear from Simeon about how National would empower our Police to tackle crime and hammer gangs.
Our Police must be given the resources and the freedom to secure our neighbourhoods. Police are currently hit with pay freezes, under recruitment, and a budget cut of $90m+. Our Police deserve better and our community deserve better.
Serious assaults and gang membership has doubled under this government, with big increases in family-harm and mental health-related callouts.
☎️ Continue reporting crime where you see it. If it's an emergency and happening now, call 111. If it's a non-emergency, call 105.
Business Breakfast with Christopher Luxon
Thanks to everyone who came to talk about the future of Auckland and New Zealand alongside National MP for Botany Christopher Luxon, it was a great turnout with over 300 business people.
We've got many challenges to solve, but many great opportunities too. My aspiration for the Shore is one where business can thrive, right from our hardworking small businesses to tech innovators choosing to set up shop here. A thriving business community means more higher paid jobs, more opportunities and more prosperity for everyone, especially our young people.
Backing Rural
I grew up on a farm. My parents were farmers. My grandparents were farmers. My mates are farmers. The Shore has strong farming heritage. I know where my roots are and just how important farming is to New Zealand.
I joined the “howl of a protest” up in Dargaville to show support to farmers. Our rural and farming communities play a critical role in our economy, and they’re sick and tired of being a political punching bag. Policies like the Ute Tax make buying an essential rural vehicle more expensive, while there are no 'greener' alternatives yet on the market.
National backs our farmers, and the caucus team were out in force across the country telling the government it’s time to start listening, it's the government's role to work with, not against its people.
Class of 2020 Visits the South Island
This week National's 'Class of 2020' hit the road. Our 2020 intake composes of three South Islanders - Joseph Mooney of Southland, Nicola Grigg of Selwyn, and Penny Simonds of Invercargill. We visited their three electorates meeting locals, hosting three public forums, discovering Kiwi innovation, but mainly listening and hearing what they want from a credible opposition.
National is committed to hearing from and listening to Kiwis. We're working to show that we are the only party that will truly address housing, the cost of living, back rural New Zealand, and secure our communities.
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